By Jennifer Colosimo
As the coordinator of the Newnan Youth Council, landscape architect and arborist Mike Furbush teaches high school youth about local government, helping them participate in the process and represent the needs of their peers. Today, several former council members even serve on the 14-member, City Council-appointed Youth Activities Commission which plans, monitors and oversees the youth group. Below, learn more about what he’s most proud of since its inception in 2008, and why opportunities like this make him proud to be a part of Newnan.
What are some of the projects this group works on?
Mike Furbush: Every year we are judges for the parade floats and ambassador elves for the City of Newnan’s Christmas parade, we volunteer at the Samaritan Clinic’s Blues & BBQ event, we create and deliver handmade Valentine’s cards for cancer patients at the City of Hope and we engage with local and state officials during our State Capitol trip. We also raise funds for the local Boys & Girls Club scholarship fund and serve as ambassadors at several city-related events.
What are you most proud of with this group?
MF: That’s easy. It is watching the students grow exponentially as they spend time on the Newnan Youth Council. Each student has the opportunity to spend three years serving on the Youth Council. We are in the unique position to observe them as they come in as shy sophomores and leave as confident seniors. They are placed in so many different situations and can experience a wide range of events, activities and projects that they can’t help but grow. It is amazing to sit back and watch it happen with almost every student.
What do you love about Newnan?
MF: Newnan is a genuinely unique place to live that offers so much to both its residents and visitors. Newnan has plenty of opportunities and accommodations but still retains its small-town character.
Where can people find you out and about in Newnan?
MF: After hours, you can easily catch me cheering at an Atlanta Braves game, enjoying a concert, coaching baseball, attending Crossroads Church and hanging out with my family. We love a great meal at Redneck Gourmet, Texas Roadhouse, Newk’s and Wishbone’s.
